Christmas

Hello and Merry Christmas!







Every year the space between Thanksgiving and Christmas goes faster. This is one of the most exciting times of the year! One of my best friends was married last weekend, and it was a beautiful ceremony. Everything was decorated in black, white and red; there's something special about weddings around the holidays!

Some of my favorite scriptures are from the book of Isaiah, especially the prophecies about Jesus Christ. We don't celebrate Christmas because we think Jesus was born on December 25 a long long time ago...we take time each year to remember what it means that God walked among us and was human just as the rest of us. He came to set us free, to break the chains, give light to those walking in the darkness, and lead those out of slavery. Read through these verses and let it speak to your heart!


Isaiah 9:2-3;6-7
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest...
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."

Jesus read this in Luke 4:18-19 about himself:
Isaiah 61:1-3
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."

I hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends and enjoy this Christmas season!

Fall 2010

Hello everyone!

It's been a busy and wonderful fall! Erin is a little over 2 months old and growing quickly. I am thankful every day for my family and for this new addition.

I've been working as a substitute teacher for Baltimore County, working mainly in Middle and High schools. I didn't expect to like that age group as much as I do, but I'm truly enjoying it! Me and a friend from the church have been leading a bible study for High School girls. We meet once a week and we've all been able to connect and talk about some very important issues. It's amazing how God leads the conversation each week and how He really speaks to our hearts.

In early January I'll be leaving for Nicaragua for 3 weeks to attend a language program. I'm looking forward to being back in there again! After that, I'll fly directly back to Costa Rica, where I'll be working at the Centro Rural Metodista again. Details are still being worked out. I'm excited about going back, God always opens doors and leads! God bless you all!

Galatians 6:8-10

Galatians 6:8-10 "The one who sows to please his sinful nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

When I read that, it answered the question as to why God doesn't always seem like He's working in a particular situation. We are called to use every opportunity we have to do good, that includes the little daily acts of kindness. We are called to reap seeds of love and goodness; and it's God's job to make a harvest. But He is only going to do it at the time He has for His purpose. It's all about His timing, as much as we hate to think of it that way!

It also says that we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. That is incredibly hard to do, especially when it seems as though the situation is never-ending, or that God is choosing not to respond. We have to trust that He is still there, we have to push through the difficulty. Sometimes the hardest thing in this life is to WAIT. Whether it's waiting for a change, a person to come around to the Truth, or an answer. God will honor our perseverance and in the end His will will be done.

I want to give a "shout-out" (haha) to Frank and Bekah, who have just come home from about a year in Nicaragua serving with AIM; they are one of the most amazing couples I have been blessed to know, and they reaped a harvest there in Granada, whether they realize it or not! God bless you guys in this new chapter of your lives! (http://www.honeysucklelife.com/)

Baby Erin Jennifer

Hello everyone!

I am announcing the birth of my new niece, Erin Jennifer. She was born September 3, 2010 and weighed 7.5 lbs. She is beautiful and the family is doing very well. It is so exciting to have another member of the family, and to really think about how far my sister Julie and her husband Bill have come. I am truly proud of them and love them very much. God's redemption is always available, and He is always ready to bless our lives and fill us up!

Back Home

Hello everyone!

The time has flown by at home, it seems like just yesterday I was still in Costa Rica! I am planning on staying here for a few months, and then waiting for the Lord's leading back to Costa Rica in His timing. I will be (hopefully) working with Baltimore and Howard County as a substitute teacher for the next few months. We are also waiting for the arrival of my niece! It is a very exciting time.

It has been good to see many of you in the past couple weeks, I hope everyone had a great summer, and is ready for school/work to start back up. God bless!

It was definitely been a wild week in San Isidro! We had our share of obstacles, but as always God works through His people. The men slept in a restaurant that the owner allowed the church to borrow for meals, and the couples (four on the team) stayed with a family that opened their home. The women stayed in a vacant house-it was interesting. We had ants that would pinch (their nests were under the floor boards), a rooster that crowed from around 2:00 am until 5:00, a chicken that laid eggs under the house and a couple of them were rotting, and a bat. Someone cut their finger (halfway through) during construction and had to go to the hospital, someone else lost their wallet. Our bus driver is having problems with his legs, so he had to return home and we had no transportation. At some point, you just have to sit back and laugh at all these things!

But the church made a lot of progress! They tiled 3 bathrooms, put in the water line and the sinks and toilets, made stairs and began constructing two floors for classrooms, and put in the septic tank and completed the septic system for one of the bathrooms.

Bible school was held almost every evening, at the same time as the evening revival services. The last night, we had around 100 children, possibly more! A Columbian Pastor and his wife ran the bible school and the church services. They were full of worship and singing, and each night he preached. Many people came to the Lord. Friendships and relationships were strengthened both between team members and Costa Ricans. It was a blessed week for everyone, the church congregation were appreciative of everything and went out of their way to make our time special.

I’m preparing to head home tomorrow, I’m leaving for San Jose this evening to spend the night. It is extremely bittersweet. I miss my family, and am excited to see them but its difficult leaving. I will certainly miss everyone here and the ministries, and everything about Costa Rica. Mary and Marion are unbelievable; I have felt like one of the family. I’ll be praying about the next step in my life, and what God has for me next. He is faithful to lead us when we ask and seek His direction.
God bless you all!

Update

Hola!

These two weeks have been pretty calm, there are two teams up in Los Chiles right now, but I’ve been here working around the Methodist Center.

A team of 32 people from Florida are coming on Saturday. We are going to meet here to give them information about the church projects and then we’ll head to a place called San Isidro. We’ll be working on a church that’s only 6 months old. It needs a lot of work because used to be a yucca packing plant and they bought the property. There will also be bible school….we are expecting at least 100 children! There is also an evangelist on the team, and he is going to be holding services every night as well. It’s going to be a very full couple of days!

The Pastor’s name is Alexander and he is really on fire for the Lord. (His picture along with his family is above, as well as the church). The congregation already has 60 people, and they are trying to reach out to the community. We are expecting great things from this week, there is a lot of work to do, pray for God’s Spirit to be working!

God's Will For My Life?

Sunday afternoon a team of only 3 people left back for their home in Alabama. It was nice to have such a small group of people; they were able to do things around the camp as well as put together some of Marion's poems. I think it was also a good time of fellowship with us and them; some encouragement!

I've been learning a lot lately about letting go of my plans and letting God have His way. Sometimes it's hard for us to know God's "will for our lives" and we spend too much time trying to figure out what the exact right way is. I was reading an excerpt from a book called “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan. I think this is extremely true and important, so I’m just going to share some of what he says:

“How many times have you heard someone say, ‘I just wish I knew God’s will for my life’? I know I’ve longed for this before. But now I see it as a misguided way of thinking and talking.

There are very few people in the Scriptures who received their life plan from God in advance (or even their five-year plan, for that matter!) Consider Abraham, who was told to pack up his family and all his possessions and start walking. He didn’t know where he was going. He didn’t know if he would ever be back. He didn’t know any of the details we consider vital.

I think a lot of us need to forget God’s will for my life. God cares more about our response to His Spirit’s leading today, in this moment, than about what we intend to do next year. In fact, the decisions we make next year will be profoundly affected by the degree to which we submit to the Spirit right now, in today’s decisions.

We do know that we are called to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians we read, ‘But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh…If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.’ (5:16, 25)

God wants us to listen to His Spirit on a daily basis, and even throughout the day, as difficult and stretching moments arise, and in the midst of the mundane. My hope is that instead of searching for God’s will for my life, each of us would learn to seek hard after the Spirit’s leading in my life today. May we learn to pray for an open and willing heart, to surrender to the Spirit’s leading with that friend, child, spouse, circumstance, or decision in our lives right now.”

Last week I was working with a team from Kent Island MD (who happened to know my cousin!) and I had the opportunity to work with them in El Mirador! El Mirador is a community that our church team has been visiting for the past couple years and have gained a relationship with. It was great to see friends and many of the children and teenagers. This team was working with the Pastor, Pastor Liver, on finishing a gate and the fence made of metal. They also held bible school. There was around 20-40 kids each day, which is actually a small amount compared to what we usually have there! Most of the children were in school.

There is now a group here from Kansas and have been working in the Methodist School that our church group also worked in last February. Lots of painting, and finished the gutters and things on the front of the roof. Yesterday was Bible School; a rotation of story, craft activity, and games for each of the classes from Kindergarten to 6th grade. I was able to go back and see all the rebar and metal that was bent by our team…and remembering the wonderful memories of spending hours doing that in the pouring rain. Hahaha.

The “Semana Para Jesus” (Jesus Week) was last week in San Gerardo. United Methodist Women from all over the northern area went up to rebuild the blind woman and her husband’s home. They almost finished everything, and brought back news that it was a beautiful week and they were incredibly grateful. The women were told to keep all things as much in the same place as possible, since she remembers where everything is in her home. The police haven’t gotten much information about the mattresses that were stolen. They had threatened to deport anyone without papers back to Nicaragua when they went visiting homes. We don’t think there is much hope that anything will be recovered.

I forgot to mention something amazing from when I was up there with the GA team a couple weeks ago. There are shoes on many power lines, hanging as they do in the US. We asked the community what it meant, and they told us it meant that drugs were sold there, or in that area. So that evening, two of the men drove down the road where the new church was being constructed, went onto the top of the bus, and cut down around 10 pairs of shoes that had been hanging on the telephone lines! People came out and watched, and many of them were happy this was happening. They wanted to make the statement that drugs are no longer accepted in that area, and that it would be an area filled with Jesus Christ! One of the men who were on the bus was a lifelong drug addict that had been saved and redeemed, and it was a very unique opportunity for him.

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July (I know you all who are in Catonsville will!) and let us never cease to remember those who are giving their lives and time for our freedom and the good of our country! God bless America!

What Is Mission Work?

Missionaries and people who go on short term mission trips are sometimes criticized for leaving the country and working with others from around the world. I have had someone tell me before that I should take care of people from my own country first, and then go to another. Some have said that they don't understand why we feel the need to spend money to travel around the world.

I can see where this idea comes from, and I agree with a part of it. Jesus told us to go into all nations and make disciples (Matthew). That includes the United States! I believe there are some people called to mission work outside of their own country, as well as within the US. We are called to ALL the world.

Every Christian is a missionary, whether he or she realizes it or not. When you accept Christ and feel the fire inside to help others find His FREEDOM and LIFE, your mission in life changes. It is important to help those who are suffering and oppressed, because it is commanded to do so. But that also might be right in your own town. There is human and spiritual need everywhere, every single person has it. Every where there is life, there is a mission field.

San Gerardo and Coquital; Week 2

I just got back from San Gerardo again, the team from GA left this morning. They were a truly amazing group and the Pastor and his family were wonderful. This second group also got a lot of work done; they finished the floor of one church (cement) and the windows and walls and sidewalk of another church in Coquital.

















A family walked all the way from Nicaragua (5 hour walk) to speak with a Pastor there about starting a Methodist church in his community. While they were there, their children (ages 12, 14 and 16) played mariachi music that they had written. They stopped by the place we were living and did a mini-concert. Everyone really enjoyed it. Mary and Marion came up for the evening and were then able to speak with them about possibly helping with the new church in Nicaragua.

Next week a group of 40 United Methodist Women from different areas here are going up there to work also. They will be working on a house of a woman named Maria and her husband named Anolfo. He has been sick and has not been able to work, and Maria has gone blind. They are very poor and live in a rotting tiny house, but are active members in the church. She expressed to us how much support has come from the community and this church; helping her walk there and things like that. Therefore the ladies are going to be rebuilding and working on their house! God has been working in the lives of the people this community, and giving them strength through the church. Both pastors in both places are committed to the congregation; one of them wept with us as we visited different families. He said it is difficult to see people living like this for him as well as us. God said over and over in the bible that we NEED to be involved in the lives of people who live in poverty. And that’s not always in some country far away, that includes our own homes as well.

This morning we got a call from Juanita, the cook and also the coordinator of the work there near the border. The GA team had left air mattresses for the UMW to use. Unfortunately, last night, 16 of them were stolen from the room. We believe they came in through the window, possibly using a child. The sad part is also that it is very possible it was one of the people who was working with us, because they knew the rooms had these in them. The town is going to hold a meeting and try to figure out who it was.

Overall God is still at work here! It has been a great couple of weeks, another team came in last night from Kent Island MD! We will be getting started work this afternoon. Continue praying for the teams, and for the missionaries here. God bless you all!

San Gerardo and Coquital

Hello everyone!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written! I am here in Cuidad Quesada, Costa Rica and it is beautiful as always! Marion and Mary have been gracious enough to let me live in the guest house so that I'm here close to the teams when they come.

I have been up North near the Nicaraguan border in a place called San Gerardo. I went up as the translator and facilitating a team from Macon, Georgia. This team had many young people and they were absolutely wonderful to work with. It's been a great time getting to know them, and working with the ticos.

We camped in a place there since it is about 2 hours North from here. We were sleeping and eating in a building that is owned by a woman that rented it out to us. We used air mattresses and for the first night me and the cooks slept in the kitchen, and then Juanita (the cook) talked to the neighbor and got me a spare room to sleep in! We worked within the two towns, San Gerardo and Coquital, building up churches. We spent much time talking with the Pastors about their experiences and visiting families from the community. It is an extremely poor community, many of the people come down from Nicaragua and start their lives there. As always, the people are so kind and willing to help.

We will be going back tomorrow, the leaders of the team are staying with a second group from the same church that came in last night. I feel blessed to be able to be working here and spending time getting to know all kinds of people from all over. And as always, spending time with Costa Ricans (and Nicaraguans!) and building relationships with them. I will put up pictures when we return and share more about their experiences! God bless you all!

Prayer

My Grandfather's Memorial Service was on Saturday morning, and it went well. Everyone from my family was touched by the support of the church family. There is strength in the people of God coming together in prayer and in presence! I was very thankful that I was home for it.

I have had tingling and numbness in my legs for a long time now, and a week before I came home it turned into aching pain. Once I got here, I went to the doctor and got an MRI and saw that I have a pinched nerve in my back. I have been seeing a physical therapist and was taking steroids to make some of the swelling go down. It helped, but the pain has come back. It is a great thing that we have figured out what is wrong and that it is not pushing on the cord, but we are still trying to get it "unpinched" so that I can be back to normal. It was a tough decision as to whether or not it is wise to be traveling out of the country before the problem is resolved. The PT will be giving me exercises to do and giving me tips on things not to do to make it worse. I've been praying for healing and some relief before leaving on Sunday. God is still in control; any prayers would be appreciated :) Thank you and God bless you all!

Plans

This week has been calmer than last, and the arrangements have been made for my Grandfather's Memorial Service on Saturday. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to come home and be with family during this time. I've already mentioned that before, but it has been an unexected blessing, and I'm taking advantage of it (as well as the spring weather!) Thank you again for your prayers...my Dad especially feels them and honestly believes in them.

There has been a slight change of plans, instead of returning to Ecuador, I will be spending a couple months in Costa Rica at the center that the church visits each year. I will be working there with the missionaries Mary and Marion Woods, as well as Steve Semler, with different VIM teams that come through and helping with the ministries and projects they are involved in. (Their website is http://www.costaricamethodist.org/index.html). The Lord has put that place and the people on my heart for a long time now.

This was not what I was expecting or where I thought I would be going, but then again everything has seemed to turn out a little different than I thought. I have been reminded this week and the past couple weeks of the scripture in Ecclesiastes (11:5) that reads "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." What a comfort to know that no matter what, HE is still at work. When God leads somewhere, He doesn't do it to abandon us but to fufill His plan through us. What an amazing concept...

Home

Hello everyone,

I can't believe I've been home for almost a week now, it has all happened so fast. It was a whirlwind and everything has happened quickly. Many of you probably already know that my grandfather passed away last Friday morning. It was peaceful, and he was ready to go. It's been very difficult on his wife, my grandmother, I know she misses him very much. They were together all the time and didn't do anything without the other. We are praying for strength for her. It's always strange when a big change happens like this, but we hold onto the hope of Heaven and of meeting God face to face!

I want to thank everyone sincerely; you all have been unbelievably kind to my Dad and shown your love by your cards, prayers, and your encouraging words. It has truly helped him to know how many people are there thinking of him and grieving with him. I've felt a peace about being home and being able to visit with family and be able to mourn with them. But we have really experienced what I believe Christ wants for His church, for his Christians, to know that we are all here for each other, even if it's just in thoughts and prayers. Thank you!

Travel Plans

Hello everyone,

I'm letting people know of a slight change of plans for right now. My grandfather has been sick for a while, and last weekend had an accident. Some of you probably have probably already heard from my Dad. Through this week he has had ups-and-downs and we weren't sure what was going to happen, and yesterday he took a turn for the worst. At this point, he is ready to die and go home, it is always harder for the people around you who love you.

Therefore, I am taking a trip home tomorrow. I thought and prayed about what to do, and it is difficult to be here while all this is going on at home. Our family is extremely close, and I sort of feel the need to be with them. I also want to be there for my Dad; he is doing well but it is still his Father and his family.

Prayers for that side of the family would be appreciated, and I might see you all sometime sooner than I thought! God bless.

Don't Waste Your Life!

Hola amigos y familia!









Well it was an eventful weekend; I was sick Friday evening and night. Thankfully, it was only a bug that went around for about 5 hours; I will spare you the details! I spent Saturday sleeping and recovering, and was back working Sunday morning.
I’ve been reading a book called “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper and read a very interesting part that I wanted to share:

“But suffering with Jesus on the Calvary road of love is not merely the result of magnifying Christ; it is also the means. He is made supreme when we are so satisfied in Him that we can let ‘goods and kindred go, this mortal life also’ and suffer for the sake of love. His love shines most brightly when treasured above health and wealth and life itself. He knew that suffering (whether small discomforts or dreadful torture) would be the path in this age for making Him most visibly supreme. That is why He calls us to this. And love does not mean making much of us or making life easy. It means making us able to enjoy making much of Him forever-no matter what it costs."

I read this before I left on the trip and have reread the chapter since then. I forget so often that the cost of following Christ is sometimes painful, and sometimes calls us to things that we absolutely do not want to do. The point of the book is that Christ is our whole life’s treasure; in Him, no matter what situation, we can be filled and satisfied by our Creator. And at the end of our lives, we can look back and see that we’ve wasted nothing-no moment, opportunity, experience.

Magnifying Christ through our lives many times causes suffering, but in the end it is worth it if He is our everything. This isn't an easy thing I'm learning, and I don't think suffering will become "easier." But through it, I have the chance to run to the ultimate comforter and grow in Him.

I can always use the prayers, thank you and God bless!

Unas Fotos

Here are some pictures from the baptisms in Banos (from the blog before), some members from Street Church, and of the beautiful landscape!

Baptisms

Hello friends and family!

I’m sorry it’s been so long since the last blog! It’s been very busy, and the internet was not working for a while. Last week we went to a town called Baños so that some of the guys from the street ministry could be baptized. We drove way up into the mountain and stopped at a river called Rio Blanco. There, the guys were immersed and baptized! It was very special to be able to be there for this very important commitment in their lives. After that we were able to walk around the town, and on the ride home (in the back of the truck) we heard their testimonies. Many of them grew up in the streets and had very difficult childhoods. But at some point, the Lord sent His Holy Spirit to touch them and transform their lives! The other girls and I have been having a great time getting to know them.

This weekend the other girls and I also got the chance for a “mini-vacation.” We went back to Baños from Saturday to Sunday. We relaxed, ate some good food, walked around a very nice small town, and hiked up the mountain on a trail that leads to a famous statue of the virgin Mary. The view was spectacular, and pictures couldn’t even capture how it truly was! This particular town is in the middle of the Andes, the middle of what seems to be valleys. I always feel so small and powerless when compared to the majesty and power of God through His creation; especially these mountains and volcanoes.

Even though it may not sound like it, we did work as well! One of the baby boys went back with his mother, and another 1-week old baby came in. He had been given away at the hospital, and the person to whom he was given to sent him here. There was also another 7-year old boy who arrived last Thursday night. He had been badly beaten by his brother.

I’m still adjusting to the cold! It gets very chilly here at night, even sometimes during the day. The landscape is breath-taking, everywhere you go you can see patchwork mountains and low clouds. I can always use prayers for strength and against homesickness! So many random things remind me of my family and I think of them a couple times a day. Thank you all for your continued support and for being a part of this journey I’m on!

Pictures

Here are some pictures of some of the children and around The Ark!

Funny Story

I was riding on the bus into town the other day, and an elderly woman came on. She was dressed in authentic Ecuadorian clothing and hat. I was wondering about her life, and wondered what it was like. Where she lived, if she had children and grandchildren or if she believed in God. I was a couple rows behind her so I watched for a while. As I was thinking all these things, she reached into her pocket and pulled out an "iPhone touch" to make a phone call....something I was not expecting!

Evening Meetings

Every evening before all the children go to sleep, there is a "meeting". Some nights there is a lesson from the bible and prayer, and others are just singing and dancing to music done by Isaac on his guitar. This is really a special time, and enjoyed by myself and the kids.

This is when they truly come together as a big family! Here is a video of one of the nights spent singing:

Hello all!

It's been a great week and weekend here. Saturday night we had the opportunity to go to a Christian "hip-hop" concert that was put together by the Iglesia de la Calle (Street Church). There were both Christians and non-Christians, many singers and break dancers. There was prayer and some preaching, and me and the other girls really enjoyed it! Street Church is on Saturday nights, and I haven't been to it yet since we've had concerts, but plan on it for Saturday. I've met some of the youth and young adults that go and they have a passion for bringing the news of Christ out. Me as well as the other two volunteers are ready to get more involved in this ministry.

I've spent much time with the babies and toddlers, and am becoming great at changing cloth diapers! There is one baby in particular that pulls at my heart, her name is Romina. She is blind in one eye and does not have a second. But her condition I believe is the same as Eli's (my brother for those who might not know!) and I think of him often. It makes me wonder what he was like at the age of one, and what his life was like with his foster family.

The babies, as well as all the children and teenagers are beautiful and are anxious to give hugs and just simply sit on your lap. It's easy to get lost in the daily life, and I've still finding myself wondering if what I do is going to be life-changing to them. That's when the Lord quietly reminds me that these are HIS children, and anything I do or have ever done for the kingdom of God is not by me, but by Him working through me. There is an extreme comfort in that and just giving my day and anything I do to Him and have Him do what He will with it.

I hope everyone had a great Easter Sunday, I was able to skype the family and they put me at the end of the table during the meal so I felt like I was there! It was pretty entertaining.....God bless!

Update

Here’s an update from the past 2 days that will give you an idea of what goes on around here!

Two nights the police came and brought three more children whose mother had been acting dangerously (swinging knives) towards the neighbors and possibly also to the children. She hasn’t been found yet. Technically the doors are closed, but how can they turn any children away? I don’t think they’re sure how long they’ll be here or what is going to happen. It is very sad, and this type of thing happens often. I know I already put on the website of the orphanage, but it is www.arkchildrenshomes.com and it shares many of the stories of these children.

There have also two children leaving this week! They have been adopted by Ecuadorian families. The family comes to visit and spend a couple days here with them, and then near the end of the week they go home. I watched one of the couples who were picking up their first child, and I couldn’t help thinking of when we went to China for Haley and Eli, and how nervous we were. (Not to mention the fact that Haley screamed for 2 weeks straight!) Adoption is a wondering thing, and to see the joy and this new family coming together was special.

Last Thursday night there was an earthquake that didn’t make news, it was a 4.8. No one is sure where the epicenter was, it only lasted for a couple seconds, but we all heard the roof shake and two of the walls have small cracks in them.

God bless you all!

Riobamba

Hello everyone!
I have been in Ecuador for about 5 days now! I started working the day after I got here and settled. I’ve been taking care of many babies and toddlers, as you know they need so much attention and care all the time! I have also helped with a “class” that is for some of the preschoolers before they enter school.

I am amazed at how this place is run. The children are taken care of and loved all the time, they receive schooling, all physical needs are met. The Allan family has committed their entire lives to this home, and the love for these children is evident. Some of the children are in and out, they either go back to their families or they are adopted. Two are leaving this week to new homes! God is at work here, and I feel honored to be a part of something bigger than myself. I want to continue to be broken for the things that break the heart of God. The stories of these little ones are incredibly sad, and just remind me how broken our world is.

I will admit that I’ve missed my family a lot! I love them, and it has been a challenge not seeing them every day. Skype is amazing, and I have talked to them often! It is difficult for me to put my weakness out there and say that it is a difficult transition, but I am choosing to be open and honest in these blogs!

More details to come!

Ready to go!

Hello everyone!

I want to start by saying thank you for all the financial supporters, as well as prayer partners I have. THANK YOU! Your help has allowed me to take this time in Ecuador, and it is appreciated.

I am packed, and ready to head out tomorrow (Monday) morning at 7:24am. I'll have a layover in Houston, and then land in Quito at 9:11pm. I hope everything goes smoothly and my luggage makes it there.

Please continue to pray for the peace of my heart, it is very difficult leaving my family. They are everything to me and are my lifeline and I am stepping out in faith in saying goodbye to them. (You can pray for them as well!)

I will keep you all updated at the next chance! God bless!

Preparation!

Hello everyone! This is my first blog entry with some basic information about the upcoming trip. I will be leaving March 22 to fly into Quito, Ecuador. Then I will be picked up from the airport and travel to Riobamba. I will be there until October 1. I am not sure what to expect, and I believe the culture is different from that of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, but I am very excited! I will be working at an orphanage called The Ark Children's Homes with a missionary family that lives there. These children are either orphaned or taken out of the home due to neglect or abuse. Their goal is to show these children and teenagers the love of the Father; a love they might not have felt before. Their website is www.arkchildrenshomes.com.

I am praying for peace, that the Lord will work out all the little details of this trip. He has called me outside of the US, and I hope to follow where He leads me every step of the way. He is amazing and has been taking my life on a journey I never thought possible!